After exchanging waves, the victim said the man then approached her from behind and wrapped his hands around her stomach in a bear hug, according to the Marysville Police Department.

She was able to fight him off and break free.

"It's kind of scary because the school they're talking about is over around the corner," said neighbor Kathi Siteman, who said it is a relatively safe neighborhood.

Police said the victim sent a text message to her mother and reported the incident to her school just after 8 a.m.

"I've been at this department for 11 years now and I can't recall something this severe," said Lt. Jason Garringer. "Usually if it's something this bad, usually there's a chance it'll happen again."

"That's crazy," said neighbor Greg Browning." "Kind of hard to believe it happened here. There's a lot of people around hereIt's a crazy world these days."

No one in connection with the incident has been taken into custody, police said.

Police said the victim described the man as being in his 20s or early 30s, with dark brown curly hair, wearing eye glasses and a dirty green jacket. The victim said the man also had a chipped tooth and a scar under his left eye.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marysville Police Department.